Prison Island, also called Changuu Island, lies a short boat ride from Stone Town. Despite its name, the building here was never used as a prison. It was later used as a quarantine station, and today the island is best known for its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises.
What you will see on Prison Island
At the tortoise sanctuary you can walk among these gentle giants, some of which are more than a century old, and learn about the work to protect them. Your guide will also show you the ruins and share the island’s colourful history.
The clear water around the island is great for swimming and snorkeling, with small reefs close to the shore. The boat ride itself offers lovely views back to the Stone Town skyline.
A Prison Island excursion takes around half a day and combines perfectly with a guided walk through Stone Town.
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